BlackBerry Ltd hires former SAP mobile boss John Sims to lead global enterprise business

Interim BlackBerry Ltd. chief executive John Chen has found the man he wants to lead the struggling company’s enterprise services business, the division which sits at the core of the Waterloo, Ont.-based company’s turnaround hopes.

On Tuesday evening, BlackBerry officials announced that John Sims, formerly the president of SAP AG’s mobile service business, as the new president of BlackBerry’s global enterprise services division.

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Since assuming control of the struggling smartphone maker in November, Mr. Chen has made it clear that BlackBerry’s enterprise business, which supplies smartphones and security technology to corporations and government agencies, is his first priority as he attempts to turn around the company.

In late November, Mr. Chen cleaned house in the executive ranks at BlackBerry, dismissing chief operating officer Kristian Tear and chief marketing officer Frank Boulben. As well, Mr. Chen eliminated the COO and CMO positions — arguably the two most important consumer-oriented executives at the company.

Then, earlier this month, the company issued an open letter to its business customers, reiterating the firm’s commitment to its enterprise business, as Mr. Chen and his team shift the company’s focus back to its core business user audience.

“I am pleased to welcome such a seasoned executive as John to BlackBerry to help lead our key business operations through our ongoing reorganization and transition,” Mr. Chen said in a statement.

“His extensive experience in transforming businesses, redefining brands and motivating teams will be a tremendous asset to BlackBerry as we reshape the Company to be more nimble and focused. The changes we are making demonstrate our commitment to innovating for current customers who count on BlackBerry, and the new users who are just learning how powerful and compelling the BlackBerry 10 platform can be. John will be central to all of those efforts.”

In addition to his role at SAP, Mr. Sims also serves on the board of directors and executive committee of CTIA, the industry group that represents the wireless industry.